Copper tints in quite deep amber-mahogany with a touch of green at the rim, legs.
Nose
Full and richly complex with notes of toasted hazelnut, turron yema tostada (a bar of ground almond and honey with egg yolk toasted on top), honey, maple syrup, crema catalana (creme brulee), oak and that lovely bodega smell. Beautiful with plenty of that implied sweetness.
Palate
Fuller, still lots of toasted nuts, oak and bodega, but also that oxidative element, walnut, old barrels, slightly savoury with earthy truffley notes and a touch of austerity from its sheer age. Long oloroso-y finish.
Comments
Laid down in 1792, this solera has changed hands more than once. It came into Domecq's hands with the acqisition of Agustin Blazquez in the 1970's, and subsequently into those of Osborne when Pernod Ricard dismembered Allied Domecq. The wine is not adjusted to compensate for any astringency, and thus really shows how very old Sherry can taste. It is a VORS, which means it is at least 30 years old, but this is much older - as many are. It is wonderful!
Price
A bargain at £33.95 from Drinkmonger, Edinburgh. UK importer Emporia Brands.
Even more of a bargain at £24.50 from the Wine Society. I've also seen it in the 'old boys' tabanco on Calle Arcos in Jerez.
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